Patti - In this episode, I describe a part-time job solicitation and offer that I received via email. In some ways it seemed legitimate. The email said that they would not ask for any money from me, and that I would receive a 1099. For just a few hours of work a week, I could make several thousand dollars. They said they wanted me to process payments--quite a vague job description. And I wondered, why would they want me to process their payments? I did not pursue it any further but Vicki felt it was most likely an overseas scam that wanted an American to launder money for them. I ended communication with them and don't know for sure what they really wanted me to do, but it was most likely a scam. Vicki said that a common scam involves having Americans send and receive packages, perhaps containing illegal goods. That may have been what they meant by 'processing.' Remember, if a job offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Dang it!
Here are some tips for spotting scams involving job offers: 1. Search for the company website online. Keep in mind that fake websites can look very real. 2. Don't give out your personal, banking, or credit card information. (Legitimate jobs may eventually ask for some of these things but not until after you've signed a contract and have thoroughly checked out the company. ) 3. If you have to pay start up fees, pay for a background check or use your own bank account it's likely a scam.
To talk to Deputy District Attorney Vicki Johnson, or to report a scam, call the Fraud Hotline at 805-568-2442.
